Abstract: A meshless foil stencil frame removes all the components of mesh mounted frames and associated issues and mechanically attaches the foil to an aluminum frame by way of pre-cut tabs. Tension is applied by either pulling on all four sides of the frame and then placing a spacer at each corner to maintain the displacement of each frame member or locking the corners and placing a displacement insert between frame and foil. This displacement in turn applies pressure on a foil which is held firm at each of the four edges and therefore creates tension on the foil.

Abstract: A printing squeegee has multiple profiles formed into the face of the squeegee to combine 45 and 60 degree angles of attack simultaneously. Additional profiles can be added to optimize the blade performance. Wings are integrated into the blade to retain the print medium and to restrict the blade from over flexing. The one-piece blade with integrated wings and multiple face profiles can increase print speed and control the angle of attack of the blade.

Abstract: A balanced stencil foil tensioning frame with a foil alignment fixture removes the need for the complex air/bladder arrangement of conventional systems by pivoting side members to engage foil. With less components, the tensioning frame system is reliable and light weight with few moving parts. In one embodiment, a base member can receive a stencil foil and a frame top can lock into the base member, depressing the edges of the stencil foil. The amount of provided depression can adjust the tension of the foil. In another embodiment, a plurality of tension segments can move in a linear direction to create a uniform foil tension. The alignment fixture can be wall mounted to hold foil in a vertical position. This allows for consistent alignment and attachment of foil to the tensioning frame.

Abstract: A balanced stencil foil tensioning frame with a foil alignment fixture removes the need for the complex air/bladder arrangement of conventional systems by pivoting side members to engage foil. With less components, the tensioning frame system is reliable and light weight with few moving parts. In one embodiment, a base member can receive a stencil foil and a frame top can lock into the base member, depressing the edges of the stencil foil. The amount of provided depression can adjust the tension of the foil. In another embodiment, a plurality of tension segments can move in a linear direction to create a uniform foil tension. The alignment fixture can be wall mounted to hold foil in a vertical position. This allows for consistent alignment and attachment of foil to the tensioning frame.

Abstract: A tooling fixture includes a plurality of cylinders in a module fitted with pistons in which a portion thereof extends from the surface of the module. The cylinders are connected with a fluid source by a control valve assembly. The control valve assembly controls the amount of fluid to enter the cylinders in order to raise the pistons until a portion thereof are in contact with and support a workpiece. Once all of the pistons are in contact with and are fully supporting the workpiece, the fluid pressure is stabilized, maintaining the pistons at their set heights. Once the pistons are desired to be lowered, the valve assembly opens and the fluid can freely exit the cylinders and retract the pistons back into the module.